Claim Climate March, Planned for December 2nd

Supporting a 'socially just transition for everyone and by everyone'

On December 2nd, 2018, the Climate Conference hosted by the United Nations will commence in Katowice Poland. On the same day, a mass demonstration is planned in Brussels.

Two organizations, the Climate Coalition, and Climate Express have called on citizens to gather and demonstrate to demand a more ambitious climate policy in Belgium, Europe, and the world.

This event is one in a series of events which have been culminating for some time. Since September, every first Saturday of the month has witnessed “Rise for Climate” manifestations in the city of Brussels. Due to the significance of the European Parliament and other international organizations in Brussels, the city has been home to countless political actions focused on issues regarding the climate, which was an issue central to many demonstrators in 2016 when TTIP and CETA were being disputed here in Europe.

A primary motivation for the action is to demand more strict and immediate adherence to the agreements of the Paris Climate Accord three years ago. They demand policies that will limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees celsius by what they call “a socially just transition for everyone and by everyone.” The statement on their Facebook Event further emphasizes the historic role of industrialized nations like Belgium to support the global south in a transition to renewable energy.

The vision for the event on December 2nd is ambitious, with organizers anticipating many thousands of attendees. They hope to achieve the largest climate demonstration in Belgium to date. As of now, over ten thousand attendees have declared their intention to attend, and thirty thousand more have indicated ‘interest.’ The ambition of the organizers seems likely to be realized.

With international significance and implications, the manifestation on Sunday December 2nd is open to all, and whether out of curiosity or conviction, international students could witness a mass march on the streets not far from Leuven. The action will take place at Station Noord (Gare du Nord) in Brussels beginning at noon, and will conclude with at 5pm at Jubelpark, Parc du Cinquantenaire. The statement online promises a ‘surprise’ at the end. Attend to find out.